The incubation period is 2-6 weeks.
It starts with general complaints such as malaise, mild fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, mild muscle and joint pain. Jaundice symptoms disappear in 3-4 weeks and patients recover completely in 6-8 weeks. The outcome is generally good, but in patients with %1, a condition called fulminant hepatitis and death may occur.
IgM type antibodies are at high levels in the first week and disappear completely within 2 months. IgG type antibodies appear after 1 month and remain for years. Detection of IgG type antibodies is considered an indication that the disease has been previously experienced and as long as it is detected in the blood, HAV disease will not develop again in that person.
Protection
To protect yourself from Hepatitis A, you must be extremely careful about cleaning your hands and nails.
It is important that cities have appropriate sewer systems.
To prevent people with hepatitis A from transmitting the microbe, their underwear, sheets and toilets should be cleaned with %3 formalin or %2.5 chloramine solution.
Those who care for the patient (such as doctors, nurses, caregivers, relatives) should frequently clean their hands with germicidal liquids (zefiran).
Vaccine
Vaccination is generally not necessary for diseases caused by Hepatitis A, as it is a benign disease. However, for people who are in contact with the patient (such as physicians and family members), protection with immunoglobulin (Beriglobin) may be recommended. 4-5 ml is administered intramuscularly to adults and provides protection for 4-8 weeks.
Treatment
Bed rest: Lying on your back ensures that the blood flow to the liver is optimal. By resting in this way, the burden on the liver is reduced and healing is accelerated.
Diet: Since patients generally have a poor appetite in the first few days, they should be given easily digestible foods (fruit juice, weak tea, milk, soup, puree, toast, honey, jam and yogurt). However, the patient should not be insisted on eating; because the liver may take some appetite-reducing measures to protect itself. If the loss of appetite lasts for a long time, the doctor prescribes special acidic mixtures. In such a case, protein foods are given immediately when the appetite is restored. Carbohydrate foods are continued to be given normally. There is no need for unsalted food. Alcohol is prohibited. The amount of fat consumed daily should not exceed 50 grams. Daily calories should not exceed 3000. Alcohol, fried foods, spices, vinegar and appetizers are not given for 6 months after the jaundice disappears.
Medication: Those with digestive difficulties are given digestive medications. Vitamins B and C are also given. Medication can also be given for itching, nausea and vomiting if necessary. Serum can be given to those with excessive vomiting. Again, depending on the patient's condition, drug treatment can be started by the doctor.
